LukeBy the time midweek came around, my anxiety about Sophia had risen to an all-time high. Just like she had stalked me, I dedicated much of my free time doing the same to her. I started with a simple Google search for her first and last name.Americans seemed to write about every little thing when it came to their achievements. I found Sophia’s name in an article about her high school graduation, some early pieces of her work on an old blog website that hadn’t been updated in years, and a few awards at her university.Where I fell into utter oblivion was when I searched for her articles at the Dallas Post. She’d been there for six years, and I read every single article that she ever published for them. Many were pieces about businesses and people in the Dallas area, but with each word, I could hear her voice as if she were reading them aloud to me. Even some of the drier topics had been more amusing with her style and turns of phrase.I had thought she was an annoying woman who was
Luke“I need you to come home,” she said. “That’s all.”“Okay,” I said. “I’ll schedule the jet for this afternoon.”“Oh, and Luke,” she said. “Don’t bring Sophia.”I ground my teeth together. She couldn’t resist throwing in her two cents about my “girlfriend.” I didn’t want the weekend Sophia and I spent together to go to waste, so I said, “Why not? You need to accept that she is a part of our—”“Don’t say ‘family,’” she said. “She’s not a part of our family. Father needs his real family right beside him. This isn’t some show.”By her words, it almost sounded like she knew that Sophia and I had played them. Or was she hoping? Heaven forbid I chose someone for myself and was happy.“Fine,” I said. “I won’t bring her.” It wasn’t as if I knew where she was. If she hadn’t posted the article about Father and his succession yet, maybe she hadn’t returned to the Post. Though, this news would get around soon enough.“I love you, son,” she said and then hung up the phone.Tossing all thoughts
SophiaThe rest of the week flew by. I buried myself in a different local assignment before going to England. It wasn’t anything pressing, and I hadn’t been assigned anything else, so I took my time, going over each word, changing more of the story as each day passed. When I wasn’t glued to my computer screen, I vacillated between Mr. Fraser’s office door and my email. I hadn’t heard anything from him or Chelsea on my request to go back to England.I wasn’t even sure I knew what I would do when I returned. At the thought of getting fired, my mouth opened before I had a chance to think about what I was saying. I doubted Luke would want to see me again, but we did have a deal. Would he claim he had already followed through with his side of the bargain by giving me the interview before I stupidly left because I couldn’t share a family secret with him? Or because I couldn’t deal with him having feelings for me?When I returned emptyhanded, I knew I didn’t deserve the promotion, but gettin
Sophia“Maddox,” I said. Maybe Luke hadn’t told him anything about the reason for my leaving.“How can I help you?” he asked.He was still cheerful, so I took that as a positive sign. Movement from Mr. Fraser’s office made me sink down into my seat. Of course, he’d probably pick this moment to fire me. Maddox would hear it, and then Luke would know that I was a failure at more than keeping a fake relationship intact. But my boss stayed put.“Is Luke available?” I knew better than to trust Victoria. She would protect her boss if he had told her he didn’t want to speak with me. Luke wasn’t the vengeful type, but I’d left him high and dry. I wouldn’t be surprised if he was upset enough with me to block any communication.“Why do I always feel like a bridesmaid wherever you’re concerned?” I heard the smile in his voice.“How so?”“You only have eyes for Luke,” he said.“I need to follow up on a few points for my story,” I said, hoping that Luke hadn’t shared everything with Maddox. Neith
LukeThe flight to my homeland felt as if it took days. I wasn’t able to do much more than stare out the window at the fluffy white clouds. Father would never sit on this plane again. He wouldn’t do much more than he already had. The thought punched me in the gut. I was barely able to take a full breath until we landed.The moment I stepped off the plane, I called Mother to make sure that Father was still alive.“He’s resting,” she said. “We have all the best doctors helping him get comfortable. I’m so glad you’re here.”“I’m not there yet,” I said, hanging up and getting into the car waiting for me. I snapped my fingers at the driver, and he took off. With just one look from me, he knew not to dilly dally. I placed my phone next to me on the seat in case Mother needed to get in touch with me. We had about a forty-minute drive until we reached the palace, but from the speed that the car was going, I had some idea we would make it there sooner.I hated when things were out of my contro
LukeAs much as I knew what I had to do, I couldn’t find the words. Not even now, when Father was on his deathbed.Instead, I kicked off my shoes and laid on the bed next to him, like I used to when I was first adopted. I used to have nightmares that someone was going to pull the rug out from under me and send me back to the orphanage. Father used to bring me into his bed after I had another nightmare and hold me until I fell asleep. Even though I wasn’t conscious for half of it, the memories came back full force, and this time, I couldn’t contain myself.Father and I sat there until his breathing became steady and he was the one comforted by me instead of the other way around.***I made sure that Father was fast asleep before I went out into the hallway. Mother sat in the chair across the hall, staring at her hands in her lap.“Where is the doctor?” I asked.She glanced up at me as if she hadn’t heard me come out. “I made him go eat something. He’s been with your father all day.”“H
SophiaThe trip to Qatar was much different than taking a private jet from the UK to the Middle East. The flight from Texas to the UK was fine, but the last leg was long as hell, and by the time I landed, I had no idea what day it was.During my last trip here, Luke had accompanied me the entire time that I moved through Qatar. We’d had armed guards and all of our accommodations ready and waiting for us. I didn’t have to find a place to stay since I was his guest at the palace, and we had a private car to travel around in.Luke hadn’t asked me to return any of the clothes that we’d bought together, so at least in that regard, I was somewhat prepared. Getting a ride to the palace was another story.I wasn’t sure if the leering looks had happened the first time around, but everywhere I looked, someone was looking at me. I was a fish out of the water, and everyone knew it.After inquiring at the airport for the location of the palace, I haggled with my cab driver about a price for the tr
SophiaMy life flashed before my eyes, and I skittered back a few feet, showing that I wasn’t a threat. Keeping my hands where they could see them, I tried to peer around them to see if I could spot Abir or even, Luke himself.“I’ve come a long way,” I said.“Move along,” the first guard said.I wasn’t leaving without seeing Luke. They would have to drag me away before I gave up.“Please, I need to see Lu—Prince Luke,” I said.“Sophia?” Luke’s commanding voice sounded behind the guards.The guards moved aside, while remaining between Luke and me.My gaze flicked to Luke. He was in a suit, just like the first time I met him. My heart galloped as I drank him in. It looked as if he hadn’t shaved or slept all week. Seeing the effects of me leaving him wasn’t something I was proud of, but the result warmed my insides. He looked like a rugged model that might grace the cover of a women’s magazine.“Luke,” I said, stepping closer to the gate.“What are you doing here?” he asked, not moving f